What should have been a fair match between two title rivals became a farce very quickly.

Diego Costa’s actions followed by Gabriel’s sending off completely overshadowed what had been, until that point, a promising performance from Arsenal.

Despite what the media appears to have seen, Petr Cech wasn’t really troubled during the match and the two goals came from a set piece and one of our own players. The latter, after we’d been reduced to nine men.

Petr Cech – 7

Even though we let in two goals, there was little the goalkeeper could do and he didn’t have a huge amount to save during the match until we were down to nine men. He did, however, make a good save in the 32nd minute as Pedro beared down on goal.

Hector Bellerin – 6.5

Despite having a dodgy minute here and there, the full-back made some good runs forward and kept Hazard reasonably quiet for the first half.

Gabriel – 6 + 5 beers

Even though he let his temper get the better of him, Gabriel had a good first half. The centre-back was a brick wall in defence at times and showed his strength at several points during the match. Not least when he ran Hazard off the pitch.

Laurent Koscielny – 6

The Frenchman was strong in the air and made a firm but fair challenge in the 63rd minute to prevent our day from getting worse – exactly what he’s known for. However, although he wasn’t solely to blame for Chelsea’s first goal, he did keep Zouma onside during the set-piece.

Nacho Monreal – 6

Although he faded towards the end and made a few misplaced passes, earlier he was a force to be reckoned with. In the 15th minute he dispossessed Costa right in front of Cech as the Spain international was about the pull the trigger. However, on the other hand, he also failed to pick up Zouma for Chelsea’s first goal.

Francis Coquelin – 6

Despite having to come off during half time due to a suspected knee injury sustained early on, Coquelin had some moments of brilliant skill and appeared to be urging play forward from the outset.

Hopefully the midfielder isn’t too badly injured.

Aaron Ramsey – 6.5

Rambo was one of the first players to get into the thick of the action and within minutes he was dribbling into the box. The midfielder also had some shots and was particularly strong in the first 20 minutes.

Mesut Ozil – 6.5

Ozil was calm and collected from the outset, steadying play while still driving it forward and picking out measured passes.

A particular moment of brilliance which stood out was in the 35th minute when the German somehow managed to pick out Rambo with a backwards chip – he wasn’t even facing him, yet managed to pass to him. He’s an alien.

Alexis Sanchez – 5.5

The Chilean still hasn’t really got going this season and is yet to score. Although there were signs he’s returning to full fitness, he was also wasteful and just not up to his usual standard.

Santi Cazorla – 5.5

Like Alexis, Cazorla also seems to be lagging a bit this season and against Chelsea, he seemed lethargic. His frustration resulted in a red card after receiving a second yellow for a challenge on Fabregas.

Theo Walcott – 6.5

During the first half, Theo did exactly what he was supposed to do. He got in behind the Chelsea defence with ease from the first minute and they couldn’t afford to even give him an inch or else he was off with the ball like the Roadrunner. As ever, he does need to be more clinical.

SUBS

Calum Chambers – 4.5

Poor Chambers keeps getting thrown in the deep end. Brought on in the second half due to Coquelin’s injury, the defender had his work cut out. Although it could have been worse, it just wasn’t a good day at the office for the lad, which was summed up as he managed to score an own goal.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5

The Ox was reasonably quiet when he came on, although having Costa trying to wind you up could do that to you.

Olivier Giroud – 5.5

The Frenchman showed exactly why he’s not just good as a striker as he held up the ball and used his strength to let allows run through.